Liver
Blood Test
Private liver blood test at home with nurse visit. Check ALT, AST, ALP, GGT for fatty liver, hepatitis & cirrhosis.
fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test
Book online
Choose date & time that suits you
Nurse visits you
At home or your preferred location
Lab analysis
UK accredited laboratory
Results delivered
Secure digital report in 1–2 days
Why take this test?
Your liver works hard — often without complaint.
It processes alcohol, medications, and toxins every day, but early signs of strain can go unnoticed until they become more serious.
This test gives you a clear picture of your liver function, helping you understand whether your lifestyle is having an impact.
- Check for signs of liver stress or damage
- Monitor the effects of alcohol, medication, or diet
- Take a proactive approach to your long-term health
Professional blood draw included — accurate, reliable results from accredited UK laboratories.
This test is recommended if you:
What does it test?
This blood test is to check on:
* Liver Health (Previously known as Liver Function Test “LFT’s”)
How to Prepare
A liver blood test typically does not require fasting, though some tests may be more accurate if you fast for 8-12 hours. You can prepare for your liver blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
Fasting recommended but not essential – While you can eat normally before your test, fasting for 8-12 hours may provide more accurate results, especially if you’re testing cholesterol alongside liver function (Advanced test). Check with your nurse when booking. Take your usual medicines – Unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different, continue taking your regular medications including any statins, diabetes treatments, or blood pressure tablets. Stay well hydrated – Drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable. Dehydration can sometimes temporarily affect liver enzyme levels. Avoid heavy alcohol – Try not to drink alcohol for 24-48 hours before your test, as alcohol can temporarily elevate liver enzymes (especially GGT and AST) and may not reflect your true liver health. Avoid strenuous exercise beforehand – Intense physical activity in the 24 hours before your test can temporarily raise certain enzymes, so it’s best to avoid heavy workouts immediately before your appointment. Limit high-fat meals – While you don’t need to fast completely, extremely high-fat meals shortly before testing can temporarily affect some liver markers. Normal eating is fine. Bring any previous results – If you have had liver function tests before, it can help to compare changes over time and show your GP how your levels are trending. Wear comfortable clothing – Choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm. Avoid paracetamol/painkillers if possible – High doses of paracetamol or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can temporarily affect liver enzymes. If you need pain relief, continue as prescribed but mention it to the nurse.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
You’re then given instructions on calling the team to book a date and time for a nurse, so they can take your blood sample at your home, workplace or clinic.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Clinical Evidence
Liver enzymes as disease indicators: National guidance recommends ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT as primary markers for assessing liver function and detecting liver disease, with persistently elevated levels used to diagnose conditions like NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis. Source: NICE non-alcoholic fatty liver disease guidance, NHS liver disease overview
Bilirubin and albumin for liver synthesis: Serum bilirubin and albumin are key markers used to assess how well your liver is producing essential proteins and processing waste products, with abnormal levels suggesting reduced liver function or chronic liver disease. Source: NHS liver disease diagnosis, British Liver Trust
Early detection reduces complications: Research shows that detecting liver disease early, particularly in people with high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity, allows lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can slow disease progression and reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver failure. Source: British Liver Trust, NHS liver disease prevention
Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection from the arm is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for liver function testing, providing sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for accurate ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and albumin analysis. Source: Royal College of Pathologists guidelines
Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your liver function results are reliable and reproducible. Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Fast Before A Liver Blood Test?
Fasting is recommended but not essential for liver function tests. While you can eat normally, fasting for 8-12 hours may provide more accurate results, especially if you're testing cholesterol alongside liver function (Advanced test). Drinking water is fine and encouraged.
What ALT Level Is Considered High?
In the UK, ALT levels above 56 U/L are generally considered elevated, though normal ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. Persistently elevated ALT (above 40-50 U/L) sustained over several months may indicate liver cell damage and warrants further investigation by your GP.
Can I Take This Test If I Already Have Liver Disease?
Yes. If you're already managing fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or other liver conditions, regular liver function testing helps you and your healthcare team monitor how well your treatment is working and whether your condition is stable, improving or progressing. Most people with liver disease check their function every 3–12 months depending on severity, though your GP or hepatologist will advise on the right frequency for you.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 2–3 days of your blood sample reaching the laboratory, making our liver blood test at home service both convenient and quick. You'll receive your results by email as a PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP.
What Should I Do If My Liver Function Results Are Abnormal?
If your ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin or albumin levels are outside the normal range, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results. Your GP may want to repeat the test, order additional investigations such as ultrasound or FibroScan, or refer you to a hepatologist. They can also advise on lifestyle changes, alcohol reduction, weight management, or treatment options. Early detection gives you the best opportunity to protect your liver function and prevent complications.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, hepatologists, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice.
Is Venous Blood Testing More Accurate Than Finger-Prick Tests?
Yes. Venous blood samples taken from your arm by a nurse are the gold standard for laboratory testing. They provide more blood volume for analysis, reduce the risk of sample contamination or haemolysis (red blood cell breakdown), and deliver more consistent and reliable results compared to finger-prick capillary samples.
What If I Have High Cholesterol Or Diabetes?
High cholesterol and diabetes are two major risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so regular liver function testing is particularly important if you have either condition. Your liver test results can help your GP assess whether these conditions are affecting your liver and whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are needed. Consider also checking your kidney function, as these often go hand-in-hand with liver and metabolic health monitoring.
Can Alcohol Affect My Liver Test Results?
Yes. Drinking alcohol in the 24-48 hours before your test can temporarily elevate liver enzymes, particularly GGT and AST, which may make your liver function appear worse than it actually is. For the most accurate baseline results, avoid alcohol for 2 days before your test.
What Is The Difference Between ALT And AST?
ALT (Alanine Transaminase) is found primarily in the liver, making it the most liver-specific enzyme. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) is found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. When both are elevated, it suggests liver damage. The ALT/AST ratio can help identify the type of liver condition – a ratio above 2:1 often suggests alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio below 1 may indicate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
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